Combine like terms. Subtract 6x from 12x. Add three to both sides to even terms. Result:

6x = 12

Divide both sides by six. Result:

x = 2

Then check, substitute 2 for x.

-12 + 3(8 - 1) = 9
-12 + 21 = 9
9 = 9

Solution set: {2}

tombfan91

06-11-06, 04:19

i lost you when you said combin like terms could you explain that part again?

PARANOIA

06-11-06, 04:28

The combination of like terms is basically the adding, subtracting, etc. of variables as though they were actual numbers.

So:

With 4x + 3x, to combine like terms, you would add 4 and 3, therefore making 7x.

With 8x - 3x, combine like terms. Result: 5x

With 4x * 4x, combine like terms: Result: 16x

Etc, etc, etc.

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So, to extend Step 2, after you've combined the "X"'s, you should be left with this:

6x - 3 = 9

To solve for x, you want to separate x into one side. So, you would add 3 to both sides.

6x - 3 + 3 = 9 + 3
6x = 12

From there, you should be able to solve the rest of the equation by dividing both sides by six, therefore figuring out the value of x.

tombfan91

06-11-06, 04:35

oooo ok i get but i though since thier are 2 x and theirs an addition sign you would do it liek this
6+2x or something liek that.

tombfan91

06-11-06, 04:44

i'm really sorry to bother you again, but could you elp me one more time? if you have time? 1/8x - 5 = 3 " solv e the equation to different ways : A multiply and subract B. subtract and multiply. explain which methos you prefer and why

PARANOIA

06-11-06, 04:52

To multiply and subtract, before you do anything, multiply both sides by 8 to simplify x. You should end up with this:

x - 40 = 24

Then you can add 40 to both sides, and receive:

x = 64

To subtract and multiply, add 5 to both sides first, giving y:

1/8x = 8

Then you can multiply both sides by 8, and receive the same result:

x = 64

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Logically, they present you the same answer. However, the method you prefer is really your choice. Personally, I would go with "subtract and multiply" because it's easier to multiply one term than it is to multiply two. However, it's all your preference on which seems faster.